'Precious' can be viewed as catalyst for communities

"Precious," a movie currently in theaters, is based on "Push: A Novel" by Sapphire.

It tells a story of an illiterate 16-year-old African-American girl who is pregnant for a second time as a result of her father's rape and incest.

If that wasn't enough, her father also infects her with HIV, she endures horrendous abuse from her mother and suffers from severe obesity.

The movie is so compelling and raw, but I wonder what happens when audiences are captivated with and yet appalled by such a bleak life?

Will people realize that Precious isn't just a character but a sound depiction of the lives of survivors of incest and sexual violence? Will Precious be blamed for her circumstances?

The truth of the matter is that Precious lives in each of our communities and is reflected in the statistics that reveal how in Pennsylvania, one in five girls and one in seven boys will be a victim of sexual violence during their lifetimes.

Unfortunately, rapes and incest against children are commonplace in our society.

The movie "Precious" might garner an Oscar.

However, its impact on how sexual violence is viewed in this country far exceeds the value of the golden statue.

This film is a catalyst to ignite communities to create coordinated efforts to prevent and end sexual violence.